Creamy Bread Pudding With Brandied Figs

This comforting dessert transforms day-old Italian bread into a luxurious, creamy custard. The bread cubes are soaked in a mixture of skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla, then baked until set and golden. The true star, however, is the topping: dried mission figs simmered in brandy, sugar, and water until plump and infused with deep, boozy flavor. The combination of the soft, cake-like pudding and the jammy, aromatic figs creates a perfect balance of texture and taste. It&# 226;ÂÂs an elegant yet simple dish that feels special enough for holiday gatherings but easy enough for a cozy weeknight treat. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling, Roasting, Stewing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 6

Calories: 633.7

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Description

This comforting dessert transforms day-old Italian bread into a luxurious, creamy custard. The bread cubes are soaked in a mixture of skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla, then baked until set and golden. The true star, however, is the topping: dried mission figs simmered in brandy, sugar, and water until plump and infused with deep, boozy flavor. The combination of the soft, cake-like pudding and the jammy, aromatic figs creates a perfect balance of texture and taste. It&# 226;ÂÂs an elegant yet simple dish that feels special enough for holiday gatherings but easy enough for a cozy weeknight treat. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Ingredients

1/2 lbs Day-old italian bread -- crusts trimmed
Loaf cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Cups
2 large Eggs
1 large Egg white
1 cups Skim milk
3/4 cups Nonfat sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cups Sugar -- plus 1 tablespoon
2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups Brandy

Directions

1
Preheat your oven to 325ÃÂ°F (165ÃÂ°C).
2
Trim the crusts from the day-old Italian bread and cut the loaf into 1/2-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and the egg white until frothy. Set aside.
4
In a saucepan, combine the skim milk, nonfat sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is quite hot but not boiling.
5
Remove the milk mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6
Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs to temper them.
7
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spoon to ensure all cubes are fully soaked.
8
Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Add enough boiling water to the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is lightly golden and the custard is set in the center, about 40 to 50 minutes.
10
While the pudding bakes, combine the brandy, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, sliced dried mission figs, and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan.
11
Bring the fig mixture to a simmer over low heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
12
Uncover the saucepan and continue to simmer until the liquid reduces to approximately 1 cup, about 20 minutes.
13
Serve the creamy bread pudding warm, topped with the brandied figs and sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 633.7kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.5g14%
Saturated Fat 3.7g19%
Cholesterol 104.0mg35%
Sodium 415.6mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 75.0g25%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
Sugars 47.8g
Protein 15.4g31%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, brandied figs, custard, figs, brandy, vanilla, comfort food, baking, easy dessert, holiday treat, italian bread, cream, pudding, simmered fruit, weeknight dinner, homemade, sweet, oven-baked, fruit sauce

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/creamy-bread-pudding-with-brandied-figs/